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If you’re considering getting a new credit card, you may wonder how long you’ll have to wait before you can start using your card and building credit. Typically, it takes a few weeks after application to receive the card in the mail.
Most of the time, applying and getting approved for a card happens within minutes. The main holdup is waiting for the card to come in the mail, which may take up to 10 business days. You may also wait longer if you applied for a card that requires exceptional credit, which requires issuers to manually review your application and credit history.
Continue reading to learn how long it takes to get a credit card and discover tips for speeding up the process.
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Getting approved for a credit card can take anywhere from several minutes to several weeks. Keep in mind that the law requires creditors to give you an answer within 30 days.
You can apply for a credit card online, in person or over the phone. You’ll need to enter personal information like your name, address, income, employment status and identifying information, like a Social Security number. To avoid slowing down the process, ensure all the information you submit is accurate and valid.
If you are preapproved or apply for credit cards with preset criteria, you’ll likely know if you’re approved or denied within minutes. However, if you apply for a credit card that requires exceptional credit, you won’t receive an instant verdict. The credit card issuer must manually review your application and credit history, which can take a few days to a week or longer. They may look at:
Make sure to only apply for credit cards with criteria that fit your credit health. For example, some credit cards are designed for people with bad credit, while others require excellent credit. Overall, if you have a short credit history or bad credit, you likely won’t be approved for cards with great rewards and interest rates.
If you’re waiting on a mail-in application or approval that’s hard to get due to high standards, you may be able to check your application’s status online. If that option isn’t available to you, or if you prefer talking to someone, call the issuer’s card services number.
Unless you applied for a card requiring excellent credit, most of the waiting time goes toward the mailing process, which typically takes seven to 10 business days.
If your original card has been misplaced, stolen or damaged, you can request a replacement card from your issuer. In this case, the card will typically take 3 – 8 days to arrive.
If you urgently need the credit card, consider taking the following steps:
Getting preapproved or prequalified for a credit card will help you get a card faster because it automates the approval process. You may either receive a preapproval offer in the mail or complete an online form with some personal and financial information.
Filling out preapproval forms doesn’t impact your credit and allows your credit card offers to be more personalized. Keep in mind that if you choose to apply through a preapproval offer, the creditor may then initiate a hard inquiry into your credit report, which would likely temporarily affect your credit.
Expedited delivery for new and replacement cards is offered by many issuers—and sometimes, it’s even free. Expedited shipping can take as little as 1-2 business days.
If you need to pay bills or make important transactions before your card arrives in the mail, you may be able to access your card number immediately after approval. Check with your issuer to see if it offers this feature, and request an instant card number as soon as you’ve been approved. Then, you can use your card via your issuer’s mobile app or add your card number to your digital wallet.
Applying and getting approved for a credit card has never been easier, especially if you’ve been practicing good credit management. Remember to use your new card responsibly to keep your credit in the best shape possible. Get your free credit snapshot today to see your credit score, credit report summary and credit repair recommendations.
Note: Articles have only been reviewed by the indicated attorney, not written by them. The information provided on this website does not, and is not intended to, act as legal, financial or credit advice; instead, it is for general informational purposes only. Use of, and access to, this website or any of the links or resources contained within the site do not create an attorney-client or fiduciary relationship between the reader, user, or browser and website owner, authors, reviewers, contributors, contributing firms, or their respective agents or employers.
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